2000 Terre Rouge, Shenandoah Vally California, Viognier ($28). Last of a 12 bottle collection ordered back in '01 for $198. If not the best, certainly one of very best of the lot. Vitals include 14.5% alcohol (not hot), 6.2 gm/ltr acidity (low), barrel fermenting (not as bad as aging in new oak) and sur lees aging. It was maled. Because of all the above, saved it for something that would match with it. So, while we fired up the electric smoker for the first time this year with a couple of chickens in it, I went down to the cellar to find something to go with them. You guessed it.

It was fantastic! Yes, had to armwrestle Mother for the last drop. The mesquite smoked chicken overcame the oak, lees, mal and any other possible shortcomings. Apricots and ripe peaches on the nose and upfront, complex and delicious texture across the palate, and some minerality in the finish. In addition to the chicken, we had sourdough biscuits, and petite peas with it. Absolutely wonderful. A memorable dinner.

Hearty second to that. One of the best domestic Vios I've ever tasted; right up there with Doug McCrea's stuff. I'm planning to christen our new house with that tomorrow night. (That and the Mionetto Sergio!)

Received another bottle with the '03 Fall Harvest Sampler Case. Their latest flyer has the '01 up to $30, which is almost Condrieu land. It was the last night for our SW drinking houseguest so we served it with sauteed chicken breast in mushroom cream sauce. Lovely all around.